Elephants coach Michel Dussuyer did not include the 32-year old midfielder in his 23-man squad for the Group I clash as the Manchester City enforcer ponders over his international future.
There was also no place for left-back Siaka Tiene in the squad that includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and seven forwards.
Meanwhile, England-based forward Wilfried Bony has pulled out of the squad after sustaining an injury at training with Manchester City. He is expected to be out of action for a week.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has yet to name a replacement for the burly striker.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Sylvain Gbohouo (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Badra Ali Sangare (ASEC Mimosas), Sayouba Mande (Stabaek, Norway)
Defenders: Jymoh Sheriff (Athletic Adjamé), Deli Simon (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Bakayoko Mamadou (St Truiden, Belgium), Bailly Eric Bertrand (Villarreal, Spain), Aurier Serge (Paris SG, France), Kessie Franck (AC Cesena, Italy), Adama Traore (FC Basel, Switzerland), Ousmane Viera (Rizespor, Turkey)
Midfielders: Akpa Akpro Jean Daniel (Toulouse, France), Diomandé Ismael (St Etienne, France), Serge N'Guessan Yao (AFAD Djékanou), Sere Die Geoffrey (Vfb Stuttgart, Germany), Jean Michael Seri (Nice, France)
Forwards: Wilfried Bony (Manchester City, England), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Grevinho (AS Roma, Italy), Alain Gradel Max (Bournemouth, England), Salomon Kalou (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Giovanni Sio (Rennes, France), Thomas Toure (Bordeaux, France)